Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
A Special Message to the Boaters of Florida

Boater Education Requirements, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), FWC Regional Offices and Boundaries, FWC Regional Map

Safe, responsible boating on Florida’s waterways is every boat operator’s responsibility. We hope that by completing our How To Boat Smart—Florida educational course you will become aware of your responsibilities on the water, and be better able to handle any problems that may arise.

As more and more boats continue to cruise Florida’s waterways for recreation, safe boating becomes increasingly important to prevent accidents, injury, and death. It not only makes sense to follow safe boating rules and practices—it adds to the fun of all water recreational activity. It is your responsibility as a boater to know and observe Florida’s boating laws to protect you and your family. The How To Boat Smart—Florida course has been prepared by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to provide boaters with advice and information on safe and proper boat handling. By studying the material, you will improve your boating skills, become familiar with standard rules of the road and equipment requirements, and develop a positive attitude toward safety on the water.

Do your part to make boating in Florida a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the How To Boat Smart—Florida course and practice what you learn.

Boater Education Requirements

Florida law requires that persons 21 years of age or younger complete a NASBLA-approved boater education course prior to operating a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more. The How To Boat Smart course meets these requirements. The law requires that persons affected by this legislation have in their possession a boater safety identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and photographic ID while operating a vessel.

Florida Law Requires Classroom Course for Violators

Florida Law (327.731, F. S.) requires that anyone convicted of:

• A criminal boating violation or ...
• A non-criminal boating infraction that resulted in a boating accident or ...
• Two non-criminal boating safety infractions within a twelve month period must enroll in, attend and successfully complete a classroom boating safety course and file proof of course completion to the FWC within 90 days of completion. Until this requirement is met, the violator’s privilege to operate a vessel in Florida is suspended. A violation of this is a second degree misdemeanor. This law requires attendance of a classroom course—correspondence or online course completion is not acceptable.
• Some violators may also be required to take an additional online course specifically for more serious violations. Consult the FWC website for more information.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

With 8,246 miles of tidal coastline, 1,700 miles of rivers and streams, and over 3 million acres of lakes, Florida is a state that few boating enthusiasts can resist. It’s the job of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to make sure that the operators of the over 1 million motorized vessels currently registered in Florida obey all the laws that keep them and their passengers safe. The FWC is charged with protecting the wildlife, aquatic life and marine life of Florida and ensuring the safety of Florida’s boaters.

Of course, law enforcement isn’t the only subject the officers know by heart. They also provide boating education courses, assistance to disabled vessels, conduct search and rescue missions, provide evacuation assistance during natural disasters and public disturbances, and conduct boating safety inspections and other forms of public service.

The officers of the FWC are always ready to help in an emergency or supply needed information. One of their most important jobs is to make everyone's boating experience safer and more pleasant. When it comes to ensuring the safety of Florida’s waterways, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission always makes the grade!

For further information on boating safety, contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850- 488-5600, at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission website, or one of our field offices located near you.

FWC Regional Offices and Boundaries

Regional Map